Rules for Comfortable Travel with Pet
Introduction
Traveling by car with a pet can become a real ordeal for many owners: animals often exhibit anxiety and aggression, it can be difficult to get them into a carrier, and stress can trigger severe systemic reactions, psychogenic pruritus, and idiopathic cystitis.
The main cause of stress experienced by a four-legged companion is the loss of a sense of security.
Just imagine yourself in your pet's place: you are taken from your territory, where everything is familiar down to the smallest detail and the scent is comforting, and placed in a small space, only to be taken, most likely, to a place where it will be uncomfortable and painful – to the veterinarian! The association between the car ride and the veterinary clinic can become deeply ingrained if the animal is never taken anywhere else.
Furthermore, a trip is always a strain on the senses: loud noises, shaking, unfamiliar smells, and the voices of strangers. Stressful states that arise in such situations often trigger the exacerbation of chronic diseases in pets, including dormant viral and bacterial infections. Stress also slows down the body's recovery processes after an illness or surgery.
So, what should you do? How can you take your beloved pet with you without worrying about their health?
IMPORTANT RULES TO REMEMBER FOR TRANSPORTING YOUR PET:
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CREATE A SENSE OF SECURITY
Place your pet's favorite blanket or another item with your scent in the carrier to show them that being in the carrier doesn't always mean a trip to the vet. Take your pet in the car for a few minutes to break the strong association between car rides and the veterinary clinic. During these exercises, praise your pet and speak to them calmly. Leaving the house should stop being a frightening experience for your pet. -
REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR
During your preparation, offer treats to reinforce desired behaviors, such as getting into the carrier on its own or behaving calmly in the car. -
MINIMIZE STIMULI
If your pet is a homebody, it will react sharply even to an unfamiliar environment, not to mention new people around. To cover the carrier window from curious, frightened eyes, a jacket or blanket will do. The change of environment will not be so abrupt for your pet if it does not see the changes. Take its favorite toys and household items – familiar smells will help calm and relax your pet. In addition, of course, limit visual contact with other animals and people, as this can be highly stressful. -
STAY CALM
Your pet can immediately sense your tension. The calmer you are, the easier it will be for the animal to feel safe, especially when following the previous recommendations. -
USE MEDICATION
Motion sickness is a common problem when traveling with pets. To prevent the effects of motion sickness, the modern product Cerynebs (maropitant) is an excellent choice. Due to the minimal discomfort during subcutaneous administration and the ease of drawing the solution into an insulin syringe, the owner can easily give the injection. A single injection provides an effect that lasts for 24 hours, allowing you to handle even the longest journeys with ease.
For many of us, pets are full-fledged family members who often join us on short trips or grand adventures. However, even a few minutes on the road can cause significant stress for an animal.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAT OR DOG GETS CAR SICK?
The vestibular system in animals and humans is structured similarly: it is located in the inner ear and detects changes in the position of the body and head in space. During transportation, if the pet feels the shaking and sees the movement outside the windows but remains in the same position, a sensory mismatch occurs.
Symptoms of motion sickness:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- excessive salivation
- rapid breathing and increased heart rate
- general lethargy
- trembling, restlessness, and attempts to find shelter.
Most often, puppies and kittens under one year of age suffer from motion sickness in vehicles: the ear structures responsible for their sense of balance are not yet fully developed. The problem typically arises during their first car ride. In such cases, no serious medical intervention is required – simply train the vestibular system with short trips, gradually increasing their duration and distance.
However, sometimes motion sickness in dogs and cats is linked to a fear of cars. The cause is most likely rooted in past negative experiences. For example, if a puppy was only taken to the clinic for injections and other unpleasant procedures during its first few weeks of life, every car ride will trigger anxiety in the animal.
Creating new positive experiences can help. It is important to help your dog or cat understand that the car is not dangerous. To achieve this, it is a good idea to bring toys along for the trip, as well as praise and pet your animal during the drive, if the owner is not driving.
To ensure a comfortable trip, it is important to follow a few more rules. Avoid feeding your pet right before leaving the house – it is better to offer treats 3 to 5 hours before the trip. Do not use strongly scented air fresheners in the car or play loud music, as these can become additional sources of stress for your pet.
Active play with your pet is highly effective in preventing motion sickness. Dogs and cats accustomed to regular physical activity tolerate car rides better because their vestibular system is better trained.
If your pet experiences vomiting due to motion sickness, it is best to consult a veterinarian. In such cases, veterinarians typically recommend antiemetic medications based on maropitant, an active ingredient developed specifically for veterinary use. NITA-FARM's product portfolio now includes Cerynebs, an injectable solution. It is designed for the prevention and rapid relief of vomiting associated with motion sickness, gastrointestinal disorders, and surgical procedures.
One of the main advantages of Cerynebs is that it can be administered painlessly via subcutaneous or intravenous injection. The product has a neutral odor and exerts a selective effect starting just 45 minutes after a single injection, with the action lasting for 24 hours.
There are contraindications. Please read the instructions for use